ROMA, ITALIA 29 MAY 67 AD
By now the house of Antonia Caenis was the most popular port of call for the noble women of Rome. Vespasian"s mistress had the ear of every prominent woman in Rome – and through them, their husbands". But no men were ever welcomed into her home, for she would not tolerate even the breath of scandal. Instead she had established her home as a haven for feminine Roma.
It helped that her abode was so exquisitely furnished. Thanks to her connections from the old days, she secured deals on refined objects of art and rich appointments, all in the most modern taste.
It also helped that her food was superb. Aglaus had rounded up a wonderful trio of slaves – Italian, Greek, and Spanish – to prepare her meals. She had also long been quietly investing in wine, buying out t
